"We have some members from the Caribbean, India and the South who are all growing okra but using it in different ways," she said.

Anu Bara, who is from India, joined Two Coves last year.

"There are so many people here and everyone is growing different things," said Bara, who uses the mint she grows to make traditional Indian dishes like chutney. She has also used her harvest in tomato sauce, pesto and Greek salads based on fellow gardeners' recipes.

"It's impossible to separate Queens from its diversity. It's part of who Queens is. And it's no surprise that the local food movement reflects this," Serpe said. "Food brings people together, not just to share a harvest but it helps show we have so much in common."